Theatre Review: Othello
Hamish Hutchinson • Published 17 Nov 2010 09:30
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Iago plants his treacherous lies in the mind of Othello.
Picture: David Robertson
JEALOUSY, betrayal, tragedy ... Shakepeare's Othello is made of powerfully dark stuff.
Indeed the only scene considered light relief in the Alman Dramatic Club's staging of the tale is a knees-up and even that ends in a drunken brawl at sword point.
But for all its darkness the Alloa theatre company has created something beautiful – a feast for the eyes. That is in no small part due to local artist Walter Awlson who has created a set worthy of any professional production. The backdrop immerses the audience in the action and adds to the intimate nature of the theatre itself. The acting, too, is as impressive as the set.
Othello tells the tale of the scheming Iago who convinces the Moorish general that his wife Desdemona has been unfaithful in an act of revenge after he is passed on for promotion in the Venetian army.
Othello is a forthright and honourable man and it is those characteristics that ultimately lead to his downfall. Denzil Wright takes the title role. It's an intense performance from the Alman regular and his descent into jealous rage is fantastically played as his love for Desdemona is blinded by the treacherous lies of Iago.
And playing one of theatre's most monstrous villains, Lawrence Gibb excels. The lengths he will go for revenge far outweighing the rewards, he oozes hate every time he steps on stage. His performance is all smirking and lip-curling, without descending into pantomime. It is a believable evil and one which is needed to understand the control he exerts over the cast of characters.
The two leads are complemented well by a cast of Alman stalwarts while newcomer Torya Williams plays the innocent Desdemona.
Alman director Gerry Docherty has produced a fine adaptation of Shakespeare's classic. Nearly 900 lines were cut for the performance but for the uninitiated it is unnoticeable as it speeds towards its tragic conclusion.
Othello began last night (Tuesday) and continues its run until Saturday 27 November (with a break from 21-23 November). The show begins at 7.30pm except for the Saturday matinee on 20 November which starts at 2.30pm.
Tickets are £8 and can be booked on 07929 561311.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 17 Nov 10
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